Well, it's been a fun journey, but this is it. The last chapter. I hope you guys enjoyed it!

I guess at the end of fics, most authors usually have some poetic, pretty parting words, commentaries, or some other spiffy lil notes. I would like to take this time and use it for….shameless self promotion! Gotta pimp my goods! &strikes a cheesy victory pose&

Okay, if you're really into/ curious about the footbinding thing, I got a Beyblade fic called "China Blossom" that goes into MUCH greater detail and exploration than I did here.

If you loved the IchiHitsu interaction here, you'll love my new fic "Frozen Tears". It's a completely revamped, redone and better than ever revision of "Thoughtless". Some of you have read that fic. Well, now it has more IchiHitsu goodness! I've doubled the length, added a touch of cuddling and a cup or two of angst. So now you can have your cake and eat it too. With rainbow colored sprinkles, even!

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Toushiro sneered, and Ichigo was relieved to see a spark of the fiery taichou's usual self. "I wanted to run, to chase butterflies, but I could barely totter on those twisted stumps!"

Ichigo crushed Toushiro against him. Unable to breathe, the boy squawked and pushed against his chest. "Toushiro!" Due to the little one's frantic squirming, Ichigo pulled back.

Gasping, Toushiro glared up at him. "Idiot." But one little hand was still tightly fisted in his shirt.

Ichigo massaged Toushiro's scalp, running long fingers through his thick, soft and spiky hair. Toushiro gradually relaxed in his arms. "What happened, Shiro-chan?" As he began, Toushiro's bright eyes glazed over as he was swept back into memories of the past.

"Once the initial binding was complete, my feet had shrunk into the prized golden lily size. The bindings stayed tight, keeping my feet in that folded, deformed shape. The pain never went away. As time went on, I never got used to it- there was always that part of me that long to be free- but I learned to deal. Until-"

Toushiro paused, chewing his soft, pink lip. He wouldn't raise his eyes up to Ichigo's. "Until the day she gave me those slippers." He closed his eyes, fist tugging on Ichigo's shirt, and chest rising and falling rapidly. His slim frame shuddered.

In the bathroom, he'd felt like this in Ichigo's arms. Frowning, Ichigo bounced him lightly and rubbed his chest and stomach. Toushiro calmed down, peering up at Ichigo through a veil of thick, black lashes. "Ichigo…" He whispered softly.

Ichigo laid a fingertip on his soft lips. "It's alright." Toushiro smiled softly up at him. Ichigo moved his hand away. The little one let go of his shirt and caught the large hand with both of his small ones and clasped it to his chest. Under those little fingers, Ichigo's hand lay flat; the strawberry boy could feel Toushiro's strong little heart beating under his palm.

"They were white like newly fallen snow to symbolize purity, innocence. My virginity. A dragon for power, beauty, and honor. A symbol of good luck. And blue for sorrow and my tears." He laughed bitterly at the last remark, nails digging into the back of Ichigo's hand. Ichigo winced and Toushiro ran his fingers over the skin in gentle apology.

"They were a gift for the day I entered the empress' private chamber." He paused, slender body trembling slightly and curled further into Ichigo. "She got off on pain. As I lay bleeding and crying under her, she licked my tears off my cheek."

He shuddered, looking sick at the memory. His chest hitched, but Ichigo's large, warm hand on him, and the strong arms cradling him kept him calm, kept the memories at bay.

"That night, what she took from me, the things she did to me, hurt more than my feet ever did." Toushiro was shaking, and his hold on Ichigo's hand hurt. "I couldn't- wouldn't- let her touch me like that again. Because of my bound feet, I couldn't run away. But I could still escape."

Hitsugaya's voice was strong with conviction and he stared up into Ichigo's eyes unflinchingly. Ichigo blinked in confusion at the strength of emotion radiating from turquoise eyes. "Shiro-chan…"

"I killed myself." He said it simply. "I impaled myself on her sword- the same blade she used to slaughter my people. I did it not out of shame, but defiance. She broke my body, but not my will. Death was my only escape, and I died with a smile on my bruised lips."

Toushiro's cocky smirk was back in place. "I only regretted that I couldn't take the vile bitch with me. I tried, but she was stronger than me. I sliced her arm, but before she could take her sword away, I threw myself on the blade."

Ichigo didn't know what to say. He just held Toshirou close, gazing down at him. "Beautiful and strong. No wonder you have so many admirers." Toshirou's pale face flushed under the intense gaze.

Ichigo longed to stroke the soft skin, but his free hand was trapped under Toshirou's. He lowered his head and whispered, "I wish I had been there. I would've slaughtered the bitch and carried you off for my own."

Toushiro shivered as Ichigo's hot breath ghosted over his sensitive flesh. "I already am yours." He closed his eyes as Ichigo kissed him tenderly, his hand slipping free and under Toshirou's shirt.

Ichigo's thumb flicked over a pert nipple. Toshirou whimpered and squirmed in pleasure, sinking further against him. Ichigo whispered huskily, "Let me take you to my bed and show you what your first time should've been like."

Toshirou whimpered and mewled as Ichigo's hot hand teased his tingling, shivering skin, leaving him hot and panting for more. He nodded and Ichigo claimed his lips again, this time deepening the kiss.

Every little shudder of Toshirou's petite body brought pleasure to Ichigo's. Each mewl was music to his ears. Toshirou had been wronged too many times- in his life and afterlife- but Ichigo was here now to make things right. He had the young taichou's bruised heart in his hands and he'd never mistreat him.

Ichigo stood with Toshirou in his arms, nibbling on soft pink lips as he carried the boy to his bedroom.

OWARI

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Yes, 'tis it. The end. The end! Mwahaha!

Erm…I hoped you enjoyed this story- keep an eye out for some of my new ones!

And, as always, please review! It's always greatly appreciated, and I DO reply to reviews, unlike a lot of authors. So review and I'll get back to ya!

Speaking of reviewing, did I mention I got a new fic, "Frozen Tears" out? Cuz I do, and some reviews for it would be wonderful!